Gingersnaps: The Freshman 15

Sep 19, 2014 10:35PM
● Published by Laura Ustanovska

Throughout
the Lake Country, a drive down the quiet roads, engulfed with burnt
hues, always meant one thing in my mind: fall. But this year, the
road will be a little less traveled. Kids have headed back to the
classrooms, some farther from home than others. Try 150 miles, 1000
miles or 2500 miles. There’s a good chance that you know someone
starting their freshman year in college. They surely are in need of
some Lake Country love, no matter the distance. Whether it’s your
own kids, brother, niece or grandchild, among the term papers and
tests on their minds, a care package will never go unappreciated.
Let’s simplify the guessing game and get straight to what they
really
want from their loved ones: the freshman 15—fifteen gifts and
goodies that can be found in local shops near you.*

1. Kettle
Moraine Crunch Mix by Great Harvest, Delafield: A tasty mix of
cashews and chocolate chips compliment healthy almond slivers,
shredded coconut and more! Just the name of this treat will remind
your freshman of home.

2. Pretzels
from East Shore Specialty Foods, Hartland: Move over Sniders! These
seasoned pretzels make a perfect pair with tangy mustard dipping
sauce… or decadent fudge dipping sauce for late night movies.

3. Rick’s
Kettle Corn**: In my opinion, popcorn should be its own food group. A
candied corn lover could feed themselves for days with this totally
tubular bag of popcorn, and they just might…

5. Wisconsin
T-Shirts from Clear Water Outdoor, Delafield: These t-shirts, which
sport unique Wisconsin designs, can be worn for any occasion when
your freshman is in the mood to display some local pride on campus.

7. Socks:
Let’s be honest, everybody loves getting nice socks. You can never
have enough pairs, and your freshman’s laundry bag probably hasn’t
seen the light of day since they got to school. They’re most likely
wearing plastic bags on their feet by now.

8. Dr.
Bronner’s Magic Soap: This soap can cure any ailment. Well, maybe
not any ailment, but it can clean anything from your dishes, to your
teeth, supposedly,
to that laundry that’s still
patiently waiting.

9. Running
shoes from InStep, Delafield: That freshman 15 won’t be going
anywhere unless your freshman gets moving. A pair of quality running
shoes might be conducive to getting them off their futon.

10. Reallygoods,
Nashotah: These natural bar “things” will work as a great
recovery food after a run around the main quad. The ingredients
include raw fruits and nuts, and exclude gluten, refined sugars and
trans fat.

11. Sweet
Potato Chips from Sendik’s, Hartland: These chips are the perfect
combination of sweet, salty and addictive. The bag’s contents can
easily disappear within an hour of homework.

12. Colectivo
Coffee, Milwaukee: This coffee comes in a menagerie of brews, perfect
for the strong linebacker to the smooth skier. Opt for the aromas of
Brazil, Columbia or Costa Rica.

13. A
little chicken scratch, as Great Grandma Elvira put it: Aka, a bit of
extra cash, so they can buy that healthy organic arugula at Whole
Foods… or organic Oreos… the thought was there.

14. Wisconsin
Cheese from Koepke Farms, Oconomowoc: It’s a no-brainer, especially
when it comes to these delicious hunks of heaven. This genuine
Wisconsin cheese + care package = one happy freshman with a gooey
grilled cheese that no dining hall can beat.

15. A
surprise visit: Netflix marathons can’t fill the void of a
freshman’s homesickness. They may act embarrassed over the endless
calls they receive from a parent or loved ones, but no freshman will
ever be sad to see the face or get a hug in person from the family
members that they miss. The freshman 15 might
just be what your freshman needs! So don’t forget to grab your
packing peanuts and a (very) big box. Insert mailing address here,
from the Lake Country, with love.

*For
more specific information on where to purchase these items in stores
near you, please refer to the companies’ individual websites.